Before I started working for myself full-time, I would hear other freelancers and entrepreneurs talk about how “lonely” working for yourself can be.
And while I didn’t really understand it back then, I’d have to completely agree now. I’m two years into the journey of being my own full-time boss and…well, it can definitely get lonely at times.
Of course, I have friends and family who I spend way more time with to make up for it.
I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
But things are different when it comes to talking about work; learning from people who have walked this path before me (or are walking it with me); finding mentors and confidants.
It’s not like working in a large office where your teammates, your boss (even if you don’t like her), and lots of other coworkers create an automatic network of support and learning.
In part, I’ve turned to podcasts for creatives to fill the gap.
Maybe you’ve done this, too; listening to your favorite podcasts for creatives and starting to feel like you really know the person in front of the microphone because you “hang out” with them on a weekly basis (or more).
If you haven’t fully embraced podcasts yet as a way to network, learn, and grow your freelance business, then there’s literally never been a better time to do it.
Whether you’re an avid podcast listener, or would like to get started, here are a few podcasts freelancers like you should be paying attention to right now (in no particular order).
I compiled this list with help from dozens of fellow freelancers and hope you enjoy!
Freelance to Founder
First on the list is a podcast all about growing your freelance business. Freelance to Founder tells the stories of freelancers and solopreneurs who have scaled their businesses to be much more than just themselves.
Every week, host Brandon Hull dives into the story behind fascinating freelancers and entrepreneurs like Cynthia Johnson—who grew a multi-million dollar business from nothing; Chris Do, who went from freelancing to winning an Emmy; or Susie Bulloch who freelanced her way to running a million-dollar blog and being on Food Network.
Must-listen episode:
From 3rd-grade teacher to six-figure photography blogger with Courtney Slazinik of Click it Up a Notch
Goal Digger
Jenna Kutcher is a photographer who took a $300 Craigslist camera and turned it into a million-dollar empire. If that’s not someone you want to hang out with every week, then I don’t know who is.
During each weekly episode of Goal Digger, Jenna shares productivity tips, social media strategies, business hacks, and inspirational stories that can help you design your dream career.
Must-listen episode:
287: How to Change Your Sales Mindset to Make More Money
seanwes
The seanwes podcast is part of freelancing expert Sean McCabe’s growing brand. Sean started out as a hand-letterer who quickly grew his business to multiple six-figures and continues to share his highly actionable and best advice on his podcast.
Must-listen episode:
424: You Already Have the Skills You Need to Make $1M/yr
Elevate with Kyle Goldie
Elevate is a self-hosted podcast with Kyle Goldie—a photographer who built a commercial business from scratch and ultimately gained clients like Coach, Esquire Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Maxim, Adidas, Amazon, Style Me Pretty, The Knot, and lots more.
It’s safe to say, Kyle knows a thing or two about growing a creative business which makes his one of the best podcasts for creatives. It’s a treasure trove of good ideas and actionable advice.
Must-listen episode:
Where & How to Invest Your Time to Propel Your Business Forward – with Natalie Franke
Purpose to Create
Hosted by photographer Natarsha Wright, Purpose to Create is an incredible resource for growing your creative business.
Natarsha has more than 10 years of hands-on experience in the wedding photography business. Each episode, she’s joined by some incredible guests to talk about best practices and clever growth methods for freelance photographers.
Must-listen episode:
17: Personal Branding for Creatives
Live In the Feast
Another show you won’t want to miss if you’re serious about freelancing is Jason Reznick’s Live in the Feast. Of course, the name refers to the infamous feast/famine cycle so many freelancers struggle with on a daily basis.
Jason’s podcast is engineered to help you have a continual flow of steady freelance work so you never find yourself in the “famine” for too long. What’s also cool about this show is each season tackles a new topic and goes deep. This season, for example, is all about pricing.
Must-listen episode:
Pricing Your Productized Services and Working With Intention With Brian Casel
The Fizzle Show
Billed as the show “for creative entrepreneurs and honest business builders who want to earn a living doing something they care about,” The Fizzle Show played an important role early on in my own entrepreneurial journey.
Each week, the founders of Fizzle (a premium online community for creatives) have conversations with entrepreneurs, experts, freelancers, and others all about what it really takes to build a business doing work you enjoy.
Must-listen episode:
6 Steps to Go from Crickets to Customers
Ditching Hourly
Another show that came highly recommended from my FB group of 5,000+ freelancers is a show called Ditching Hourly. The podcast comes from freelancer Jonathan Stark who explains he’s “on a mission to rid the earth of hourly billing.”
If you’re ready to stop trading your hours for money and build a business that doesn’t require you to do everything in order to bring in a paycheck, then this podcast is for you.
Must-listen episode:
How do I get clients to pay 100% up-front?
The Modern Creative
Dianuh and Joyce are the two founders and co-hosts of The Modern Creative podcast. They started the show with the goal of connecting their listeners with other creative entrepreneurs to have real conversations about life, business and everything in between.
Must-listen episode:
EP 056 -Creating Multiple Revenue Streams | Barron, The Effortless Gent
The Side Hustle Project
If you’re still freelancing on the side or you’re not quite ready to quit your day job just yet, then Ryan Robinson’s podcast The Side Hustle Project is a must-listen for you.
Particularly if you’re interested in growing your influence and following online, this podcast for creatives features in-depth conversations with people making a very good living doing work they really enjoy.
Must-listen episode:
#112: How to Make $124,389.82 Blogging (in 1 Month) with Alex Nerney of Create and Go
The Power in Purpose
The Power in Purpose podcast is hosted by entrepreneur Candice Coppola who, among many other accomplishments, is an entrepreneur; wedding planner and designer; and small business coach.
This show is perfect for any freelancer still struggling to identify their purpose—something Candice argues is critical in your journey towards success and happiness.
Must-listen episode:
019 | Jereshia Hawk: Enroll High Ticket Clients Consistently
What other podcasts for creatives did I miss?
That wraps up my short list of podcasts for creatives that freelancers should listen to. And leaves me with a question: what podcast did I miss?
The beautiful thing about podcasts is that there are always more shows to explore, more people to meet, and more to learn.
I’ve probably even left out your favorite freelancing podcast. If so, drop a comment below and let me know about it. We’ll all benefit from your generosity.
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